Woodview Named Finalist for Youth Advancement Award 2024

November 20, 2024

Woodview Mental Health and Autism Services is excited to be a Finalist in the Best Nonprofit Employer – Youth Advancement (20+ staff) category at the 2024 Charity Village Conference and Awards! This honour celebrates Woodview’s work in helping youth build confidence, learn skills, and make meaningful connections.

Our Youth Engagement Groups in Brantford and Halton give young people the chance to take leadership roles, join community events, speak up for their peers, and prepare for the future.

Youth-Led Events

Woodview’s youth groups—Fortitude Youthview in Brantford and Youth Force in Halton—show what young people can achieve when they take charge.

One of the highlights this year was the Coffee House hosted by Youth Force. The event raised money to send youth leaders to the Disable the Label conference. It brought together families, friends, and staff for games, crafts, a silent auction, and great conversations. Youth Force members even designed their own logo and a colouring book to support mental health awareness and fundraising!

Youth Force also ran half a dozen special interest nights, where youth shared their hobbies, like Dungeons & Dragons and bracelet making. These events helped participants practice public speaking, plan activities, and support one another, all while creating a fun and safe space.

How Youth Engagement Makes a Difference

Woodview’s youth programs help young people build confidence, learn leadership skills, feel supported, and connect with their community.

  • Youth learn communication, teamwork, and how to manage projects.
  • Participants feel supported and valued. Feedback shows they love the welcoming and positive environment.
  • Events like the Coffee House give youth the chance to connect with their peers and their community.

What Youth Are Saying 

As one participant shared, “Youth Force was a place to practice leadership and build my communication skills. Meeting with group members helped me create meaningful connections with other youth while doing something I love and connecting with the community.” 

Youth-led engagement at Woodview focuses on making young voices heard. Our programs give them the tools to grow as leaders, work as a team, and take on projects that matter to them.

Youth have also worked on projects like the F1VE wristband and the video You Never Know, which share important mental health messages.

Thank You

We are so grateful to the staff and clinicians who guide these groups and to the youth who inspire us with their talent and creativity. Being a Finalist for this award is an incredible honour. We can’t wait to keep empowering young people in our communities!

Learn more about Youth Engagement at Woodview.